Are you passionate about making a difference and empowering young people by providing them with refuge on their journey towards healing and stability? This internship offers a unique opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of youth in need. Join our team as a Youth Shelter Intern and contribute to creating a safe and nurturing environment and playing a crucial role in supporting and guiding adolescents as they navigate their way towards a brighter future. As a Youth Shelter Intern, you will help YSS advance our mission and program by:

• Building positive relationships with shelter residents
• Creating a safe, supportive, and welcoming atmosphere within the shelter.
• Acting as a positive role model and empathetic presence to youth experiencing various challenges.
• Supervising participants and documenting resident progress, needs, and challenges by reporting observations daily.
• Assisting shelter staff in responding to urgent needs while ensuring the safety and well-being of residents.
• Collaborting with shelter staff to provide workshops, group activities, and educational sessions that promote personal growth and focus on life skills development
• Working with shelter staff to ensure the smooth functioning of the facility.
  • Assist with meal preparation/distribution
  • Recreational activities
  • Providing hygiene supplies
  • Answering telephones and doing general office work.
• Partnering with schools, local organizations, volunteers, and community members to enhance the support network available to shelter residents.
• Tutoring clients with their school work as needed.

What will you get from YSS?

• Valuable experience working in a shelter environment, contributing directly to the well-being of vulnerable youth
• Insight into social work, youth development, mentorship, crisis intervention, community support systems, and non-profit organizations.
• Opportunities to make connections with other professionals in the nonprofit organization.
• A chance to develop and enhance essential interpersonal and communication skills.
• Training on handling crisis situations and de-escalating conflicts.

Time Commitment, Duration, and Compensation

• This internship typically spans 4 months, although it can be extended.
• The work schedule is very flexible; we ask for a minimum of four hours a week, between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 10:30 p.m.
• While this is an unpaid position, it provides an opportunity to gain practical experience and contribute to a meaningful cause.
• You will be required to attend an orientation to cover YSS policies, including confidentiality, drug-free work environment, and child abuse reporting. You will also need to attend mandatory, monthly trainings.

You belong at YSS if you have:

• a high school diploma, or equivalent
• a degree or are pursuing a degree; all majors are accepted, but we prefer social work, education, psychology, or related fields
• a valid Iowa Drivers' license, as some travel may be required
• a genuine interest in working with youth, ages 10-17, and a desire to help them navigate challenges. 
• the ability to work collaboratively and independently in a dynamic, sometimes emotionally intense, environment.
• the ability to establish rapport with people from diverse backgrounds.
• empathy, patience, and a nonjudgmental attitude towards individuals facing challenges.

If you're ready to make a difference in the lives of young people and create a supportive environment where they can thrive, we encourage you to apply for the Youth Shelter Intern position. Your commitment could be the guiding light for those seeking stability and a brighter future.

Please apply on our web site and include your resume along with a thoughtful cover. In your cover letter tell us why you want to work at YSS and describe how your skills, experiences, and interests align with our mission of supporting and empowering youth in need.